SWEDISH DIOPTER SIGHTS (VERY, VERY, LONG)

SWEDISH DIOPTER SIGHTS (VERY, VERY, LONG)

This will be a long post, I am combining multiple types (with pics) into one post.

First is the GF diopter sight.Due to recent questions (and inability to find my old posts), over the next few days I will post pics, descriptions, usage, and a little history on the various Swedish sights. I will start out with receiver sights, then cover leaf adapters and leaf replacement sights.

Starting out with the GF diopter, this is one of the more sought after sights. It's popularity is due in part to it's extremely small and compact size, and partly because it was the only diopter approved by the government for use on the military versions of the CG63 target rifle (M6 and M7). GF stands for Gevarsfaktoriet, and these were produced at the Carl Gustafs factory starting in 1965. They were used on the M6 and M7, but were also available as an option on CG63 rifles ordered by civilians.There were several different elevation rings available for use with different velocity ammo. There is another version of this sight called the "tall GF" that is actually only correctly used on the CG63-22 and CG63 Junior, .22 caliber versions of the CG63.An upper rear view of the GF sight, with extra scale rings, and optional sunshadeGF sight with sunshade installedGF left front viewGF right rear view

Next is the Lyman 48(M) sight.Yes, this is an American made sight, but they were very popular worldwide, and Sweden was no exception. These were factory installed on fm23 and fm23/36 match rifles, and were found quite often on M96 and CG63 rifles also. I have even seen them installed on M94 carbines. The one shown here is a later model, probably from the early to mid 1950's.Lyman, top view Lyman, right side. The spring loaded knob (at right in pic) allows top assembly removal from base when depressed.Lyman, front view

As an aside, one of the Swedish diopters that I don't have in my collection, the Busk diopter sight (made in Norway) is a virtual copy of the Lyman 48(M).

Next is the Soderin sight.While the Soderin sight was very popular in Sweden, it is not one of my personal favorites, as it seems to be kind of large and clunky. These were first produced in the late 1940's in Stockholm. Later production was at other localities. There were 3 different elevation scale rings available, white, yellow, and red, used for ammo of different velocities. The first sight pictured is mounted on a CG-63 match rifle, and it is kind of unusual in that it has a flat plate added to the rear, with a windage indicating needle ponting upward at a dot on the plate. It is the only one I have ever seen like this, and all research indicates it was an aftermarket add-on. A standard Soderin has a blunt downward pointing indicator.Soderin, left sideSoderin, right sideSoderin, top viewSoderin, rear right view. This one has the standard windage indicator.

Next is the Pramm sight.This was a very popular sight in Sweden, it first appeared in the early 1940's. The large knob at the left rear allows the body to be removed from the base. The sight in these pics is somewhat unusual in that most of these "disassembly knobs" just have a dot on the lower left edge, while this one has a line completely across. These sights are one of my personal favorites. Also pictured is a Pramm front sight hood, these simply slip over the existing front sight.Pramm, rear viewPramm, top viewPramm, front viewPramm front sight cover, side viewPramm front sight cover, rear viewPramm sight installed on an M96This is a tool used to remove or install the apertures on a Pramm diopter sightAnother view of a Pramm aperture tool

Next is the Hauges diopter.The Hauges diopter sight was actually produced in Norway starting in the 1950's. Like the Hooka, it attached to the right side of the receiver. Pulling outward on the flat spring on the right side disengaged the elevation screw, allowing the upper body to be removed from the base without tools. Mainly for this reason, it was considered to be one of the better sights. This one is an early all milled version, later ones made extensive use of castings.Hauges, front viewHauges, right sideHauges, top view

Next is the Faldt sight.Not much is known about the Faldt sight, other than that the designer's name was Faldt. I speculate that it is one of the earlier sights, based on the construction and relative simplicity. I have seen several different variations of the aperture shade, and even one with NO shade. The one in these pics is marked Mod 2 on the elevation indicating wheel. On a side note: the Metallverken refined sight adapters were invented by P.O. Faldt, probably the same guy!Faldt, left rear viewFaldt, right rear viewFaldt, rear viewFaldt, upper rear viewFaldt, rear lower view. Note the windage markings on the right side of the base, and that the mounting screw holes are not in the typical diagonal pattern.

Next is the Elit sight.The Elit sights were manufactured by the Stalex AB tool company, and were marketed by Olle Edstrom AB in Ljusdal. There were 2 models, the old model is depicted here. What is kind of interesting is that the old model brand name is spelled Elit, while the newer model is spelled Elite. These sights first appeared in the late 1960's.Elit, right rear viewElit, front left viewElit, upper rear viewElit, left side, showing Stalex Tool Co. markingElit, with rubber dust cover installed

SWISS MADE ELITE SIGHTS

These sights were made by BullTech Precision in Switzerland. They were producing a Model 101 that was being sold by Samco, Brownell's, and others, that was identical to the Swedish made Elit pictured above. Apparently, they were sued for patent infringement, and no longer produce the Model 101. These pics (courtesy of 318dodge) are of a Model 201, apparently different enough not to infringe any patents. I don't know a lot about it, but by the graduations, it appears to be a long range (1,000 m) sight.

This is the Swiss made Elite 101, identical to the Swedish Elit except for the knurling on the knobs.

Another view of the (Swiss) Elite 101, showing the other major difference (the "Swiss Made" logo)

And, last but not least, is the Hooka diopter.The Hooka sight is one of the older sights, the design first appeared in 1944. They were manufactured by Hooka-bolaget Marten Martensson in Hammerdal. I have seen several different versions, with the chief difference being the elevation graduations on the large wheel on the right side. This large wheel has a spiral groove machined on the inside, which moves the aperture up and down. One advantage of this design is that you can turn the sight to it's highest elevation, then separate the sight body from the base by pulling straight up on it. This sight is different from the majority of other Swedish sights in that it attaches to the right rear side of the receiver, not the top of the receiver ring.Hooka, forward left viewHooka, right rear viewHooka, rear viewHooka, top viewEarly Hooka. Note closer spacing of graduations. Pic courtesy of 318dodgeEarly Hooka, front view. Note release knob at lower left, this was omitted on later models (318dodge)Early Hooka, rear view (318dodge)Early Hooka, top view. The "529" may be a model or serial number (318dodge)

Next is the Andersson diopter. I don't have one of these, but 318dodge was kind enough to send pics. This sight mounts to the front receiver ring, and requires some inletting of the stock and handguard.

Andersson diopter, top view (318dodge)Andersson diopter, left side (318dodge)Andersson diopter, right side (318dodge)Andersson diopter, elevated to 600m setting (318dodge)

There are several other varieties that I don't have yet, so I can't include pics. These are the Hellqvist, Busk, and AGA diopters. Also, on many of these sights, there are different versions that are not included here.